Bulkhead and partition systems

ABSTRACT

Improved panels suitable for use in bulkhead and partition systems. In one embodiment of the invention, the panels are seamless, one-piece members integrally formed from a single resinous material. In other embodiments, the panels include depressions that obviate the need to fill the panels with foam or other supportive filler material. In still other embodiments, the panels have no fasteners extending through panel so the panels are substantially impervious to moisture. Other embodiments have grooves or similar mounting means disposed around their peripheral edges to which edging such as supports or flexible seals may be mounted. In yet other embodiments, the grooves are arranged so as to permit worn out seals to be quickly and easily replaced without the need to remove mechanical fasteners.

CROSS REFENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of the followingco-pending U.S. provisional applications, each of which is incorporatedherein by reference: Ser. No. 60/241,693, entitled “Bulkhead AndPartition System,” filed Oct. 19, 2000; Ser. No. 60/269,436, entitled“Bulkhead And Partition System And Methods And Apparatus For MoldingPlastic Parts,” filed Feb. 16, 2001; and Ser. No. 60/296,623, entitled“Bulkhead And Partition System And Methods And Apparatus For MoldingPlastic Parts,” filed Jun. 7, 2001.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to panels that can be used to separate orinsulate cargo during transportation or storage, including partitionsand bulkheads.

BACKGROUND

Perishable items such as produce and meat are often transported inrefrigerated trailers, railcars, or ocean-going containers that can betransported on ships, trains or trucks. Such cargo transport devices aretypically equipped with a refrigeration unit that conditions the airinside the cargo space, thereby maintaining desired temperatures andhumidities during transportation or storage. Refrigerated trailers,railcars and containers are typically configured so as to enclose asingle, large cargo space. Their refrigeration units will accordinglymaintain the entire cargo space at the same temperature and humidityunless the cargo area is somehow divided. However, when the perishablecargo does not fill the entire trailer, cooling the entire cargo area isunnecessary and costly. It causes unnecessary strain and wear on therefrigeration unit, increases fuel consumption, raises transportationcosts, and lengthens the time necessary to cool the perishable cargoafter any temperature aberration.

Movable panels having a specialized construction permit the cargo spaceof trailers, rail cars, and containers to be readily divided intosections of varying sizes. Such panels are commonly referred to as“partitions” or “bulkheads,” depending on the manner in which they areinstalled in a cargo space. The structure and configuration of partitionand bulkhead systems also vary depending on whether they are beingdeployed in a trailer, railcar, or container.

Partitions currently used in refrigerated truck trailers typicallyextend from floor to ceiling and are generally comprised of modularsections akin to cubicle walls commonly used in office spaces. Themodular sections are often mounted in channels or grooves on the trailerfloor, held in place by friction, hinged to the trailer ceiling, orotherwise mechanically fastened in place so as to compartmentalizetrailers and truck bodies for multi-temperature food distribution. Thepanels are used to divide the trailer or body both longitudinally, alongthe long axis of the trailer, and laterally, across the width of thetrailer. Some partition systems include panels which can be readilyremoved and placed along the sidewall of the trailer when not in use.

Bulkheads typically have a similar construction but extend across thewidth of a trailer to form separate fore and aft cargo areas. Likepartitions, insulated bulkheads allow a refrigerated hauler to carry twoor more loads at different temperatures within the same trailer or cargocontainer. For instance, bulkheads may be used to separate fresh foodproducts from frozen or dry goods. Bulkheads can be formed of oneintegral unit or a plurality of sections that are hinged, attached, orinterlocking. The individual sections are typically movable by virtue ofbeing releasably mounted on channels, tracks, hinges or the like. Wheninstalled in a desired configuration, the sections are oftenfrictionally fit, hinged or otherwise fastened to trailer wall, floor orceiling. Bulkheads are optionally equipped with walk-through doorssimilar to those used in partitions to permit ingress to and egress fromeach conditioned cargo area.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to improved panels and bulkhead andpartition systems. In one embodiment of the invention, the panels areseamless, one-piece members integrally formed from a single resinousmaterial such as a thermoplastic polymer. In certain embodiments, thepanels include depressions that obviate the need to fill the panels withfoam or other supportive filler material. In still other embodiments,the panels have no fasteners extending through panel so the panels aresubstantially impervious to moisture. Other embodiments have grooves orsimilar mounting means disposed around their peripheral edges to whichedge members such as supports or flexible seals may be mounted. In yetother embodiments, the grooves are arranged so as to permit worn outseals to be quickly and easily replaced without the need to removemechanical fasteners. In a further embodiment, the panels includeintegrally formed handle structures. In another embodiment, the panelshave additional depressions or ribs which promote air flow past adjacentcargo and provide additional rigidity and strength.

The details of these and other embodiments of the invention are setforth in the description below. Other features, objects, and advantagesof the invention will be apparent from the description, and from theclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled partition with seal stripsand nylon handles;

FIG. 1A is a cross sectional view of the panel taken along a horizontalline;

FIG. 1B is a cross sectional view of an edge of the panel and the sealmounted thereto;

FIG. 1C is a partial perspective view of the upper-left edge of the corepanel of FIG. 1, shown with the seals cut away at the corner;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the bottom half of a two-piece adjustable moldwith which the panel of FIG. 1 may be manufactured;

FIG. 2A is a cross sectional view of the bottom half of the two-piecemold;

FIG. 2B is a partial perspective view of the mold of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the complementary top half of the mold of FIG.2;

FIG. 3A is a cross sectional view of the top half of the two-piece mold;

FIG. 3B is a plan view of the mold of FIG. 3 after the adjustable railshave been removed;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the bottom and top halves of theclosed two-piece mold;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the end of the rail member shownin FIG. 2B.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the complementary top half of an alternatemold;

FIG. 6A is a cross sectional view of the rail members shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 6B is a metal edge member mounted in the rail members shown in FIG.6A; and

FIGS. 7 through 7C are a cross sectional views of rail members for usein the molds of FIGS. 2-6.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the upper-left edge of the panelof FIG. 1, shown without the seal members;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the upper-left edge of the panelof FIG. 1, shown with the seals;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the upper-left edge of thepanel of FIG. 1, fitted with foam-type seals;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional views of a metal edge member that can beintegrally molded into the periphery of the panel;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional views of another metal edge member that canbe integrally molded into the periphery of the panel; and

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of an adjustable seal that can bemounted to bulkhead and partition panels of varying widths.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicatelike elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a complete, assembled partition panel 1constructed in accordance with the present invention. The panel includesa front face 10 and opposed rear face 11 which are held in generallyparallel relation and define a cavity 12 therebetween (shown in FIG.2.). Each of the front face 10 and rear face 11 have depressions or“stand-offs” 13 formed therein which extend across substantially theentire cavity. The faces 10, 11 also may have integral longitudinalribbing 14 which adds rigidity and permits cool air to flow between thefaces 10, 11 and adjacently disposed cargo. Handle formations 15 areintegrally molded into the faces 10, 11. The handle formations 15include arcuate channels 16 that extend from the front face 10 to therear face 11 and accommodate handles such as nylon straps 17. The panelof FIG. 1 may be fitted with edge members 18 that include wipe-typeseals 25 similar to triple-blade windshield wipers.

In use, the panel can be mounted in a refrigerated trailer such that itsfaces 10, 11 extend laterally across the width of the trailer in themanner depicted in the publication Insulated Bulkheads by FG Products,Inc. of Rice Lake, Wis., which is contained in the cross-referencedapplications. The panel may be fitted with appropriate edge members sothat the bulkhead can be effectively held in place by tracks in thetrailer floors, walls, or ceiling. Alternatively, the panel may behinged to overhead track systems or mounted in other manners known inthe art.

As shown in the publication Center Partition Systems—Designed forPositive Temperature Control, also by FG Products, Inc. of Rice Lake,Wis., (also contained in the cross-referenced applications), the panelof FIG. 1 can be readily adapted for use in a partition system. Suitablemounting and sealing means are used in place of edge members 18 and, ifdesired, mounting formations adapted to receive additional nylon strapsmay be molded into the faces 10, 11. A door or portal may also beincorporated into the structure of FIG. 1 to permit rapid ingress andegress from the enclosed cargo area. Those of skill in the art willreadily appreciate that other modifications can be made to the bulkheadof FIG. 1 to further adapt it for use as a partition, including but notlimited to incorporation of those features described in the publicationCenter Partition Systems.

The core of the bulkhead is shown in more detail in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Asshown in FIG. 1A, the depressions 13 can extend substantially across theentire width of the cavity 12 so as to maintain the faces 10, 11 inspaced apart relation. The faces 10, 11 are preferably constructed of alightweight, tough, ductile resinous material such as polyethylene, butthose of skill in the art will appreciate that a wide variety of othersuitable materials may be used, including but not limited to otherpoly-α-olefins, composite materials, wood, and metal. The wall thicknessis preferably with the range 0.05 inch to 0.5 inch and even morepreferably within the range 0.15 inch to 0.35 inches. The left and rightdistal edges of the faces 10, 11 include tapered or beveled regions 19and channels 20 adapted to hold edge members 18. The channels 20 andtapered regions 19 may optionally extend around the entire periphery ofthe panel as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 1C shows how edge members 18 can be attached to the bulkhead.Mounting member 24 slideably engages the receiving channels 20. Flexibleblade- or wipe-type seals 25 extend peripherally from the mountingmember 18 so as to contact the adjacent surface, which can be anotherbulkhead or partition or a trailer wall, floor, or ceiling. FIG. 1B is across sectional view showing how mounting member 24 engages thereceiving channels and thereby rigidly attaches seal 18 to the panel.

The aforementioned bulkheads and partitions may be manufactured incustomized dimensions and configurations with an adjustable mold such asthat depicted in FIGS. 2-6. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first adjustablemold 28 for use in apparatus for thermoforming, such as vacuum forming,and rotational molding. Fixed rails 29 are disposed along the bottom andleft edge of the mold area 31. Adjustable rails 30 are disposed at theright and upper regions of the mold area 31. As more clearly shown inFIG. 2B, stand-off forms 32 and handle forms 33 project vertically fromthe mold 28. Returning to FIG. 2, the adjustable rails 30 are mounted ontracks 34 which may be disposed below, inside, or outside the adjustablerails 30. The adjustable rails 30 are mechanically engaged with thetracks 34 with fasteners, pins, clamps, or other known means so as topermit the rails to be moved toward or away from the center of the moldarea 31. Rail inserts 35 are adapted to engage the adjustable rails 30and fixed rails 29 in flush relation, as with pins, bolts, clamps orother known means.

In an alternate embodiment, the fixed rails 29 may extend the entireheight and width of the mold area 31. The right adjustable rail 30 iscomprised of a single member that extends from the bottom fixed rail 29to the top of the mold area 31. The bottom of the right adjustable rail30 is “coped” to the bottom fixed rail 29 like a baseboard so as to forma symmetrical seam and corner region. The upper adjustable rail 30extends between the left fixed rail 29 and the right adjustable rail 30and is coped thereto. Upper adjustable rails 30 are provided in varyingwidths. That construction obviates the need for rail inserts 35. Theadjustable rails 30 are manipulated by articulation of a cooperatingtrack and mounting member disposed entirely outside the mold area 31 sothat no portion of the track 34 has to be filled to prevent aberrationsin the face portions 10, 11.

A wide variety of adjustable rail systems may be employed. Each face 10,11 can be vacuum-formed separately using a mold having a similar arrayof adjustable members, whereafter the formed panels 10, 11 may beattached to one another according to known methods. Likewise, theadjustable mold members need not be slideably attached to rails ortracks—rather, they may be adjustably fastened directly to the mold 28,36 with pins, bolts, clamps or other suitable means. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that myriad other modifications may be readilymade to the above described adjustable molding apparatus so as tooptimize its performance in a particular application.

In use, the fabricator manipulates the adjustable rails 30 to thedesired dimensions on the first mold 28 and a second, complementary mold36 shown in FIG. 3. The molds are then closed together as shown in thecross section views of FIG. 4. The foregoing operations can occur eitherbefore or after the mold is placed into a conventional thermoformingapparatus such as a vacuum forming device or a rotomolder. Whenrotational molding is employed, it may be advantageous to counterweightthe molds 28, 36 so that the center of gravity of the closed moldassembly is disposed along the axis about which the mold is spun.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of portion 100 of the mold shown in FIG. 2B.The fixed rail 29 is bolted to the mold half 28 with a threaded fastener101. The cross-sectional contour of the rail member 29 matches thecontour of the peripheral portions of the molded panel 1 and the sealmounting members 24.

FIG. 6 depicts a alternate mold half 110. Adjustable rail members 111are installed in the mold cavity. Trim members 112 span the cavitybetween rail member 111 and define the mold area in which the resin canbe deposited. Ridge elements 113 are disposed longitudinally andlatitudinally in the mold cavity so as to cause the formation of ridgesor depressions in the final molded panel that accommodate expansion orshrinkage of the panel faces. After rotomolding is complete, trimmembers 112 form the outer edges of the panel. FIG. 6A is a close-upview of matable rail members 111 a and 111 b which clamp down upon trimmembers 112 and hold them in place. FIG. 6B is a cross sectional view ofthe matable rail members 111 a and 111 b after a trim member 112 hasbeen installed therein. After the mold halves are closed together, theupper flange 112 a and lower flange 112 b fit flush against the faces ofthe mold halves and thereby, in cooperation with the mold half faces,define a mold cavity.

FIGS. 7 through 7C show alternate mold edge members 111 adapted to formcontours of various shapes in the bulkhead. The mold edges 111 form anedge contour adapted to receive the wipe seals or other edge membersdiscussed above. The depicted members 111 can be used in place of themembers 111 shown in FIG. 6A. Optionally, a rigid trim member made ofmetal or other suitable material can be inserted in the interior of themold edge members so as cause the rigid trim member to be integrallymolded into the bulkhead as the bulkhead's peripheral edge as describedabove in connection with FIG. 6. The mold edge members 111 shown inFIGS. 7A to 7C form arcuate, matable contours into the bulkhead. Thebulkhead edge molded by the members 111 of FIG. 7A will mate with acontoured edge formed by the mold element 111 of FIG. 7C.

The panels discussed above can be comprised of polyethylene and glassfibers made by an improved molding technique. Fibers, filaments or otherreinforcing structures made of glass, carbon or other suitable materialsmay be molded directly into a base polymer, such as polyethylene,polypropylene, nylon, or polycarbonate. The fibers in the resultingparts can extend through the entire thickness of the material, therebysignificantly increasing the part's strength, toughness and structuralintegrity. Advantageously, the dimensions of the fibers can be variedsuch that fibers extend into an internal cavity of the part to act as aninterface with material placed therein, such as foam. The protrudingfibers thus can act to integrally connect and secure the polymericcomposite to an adjacently situated foam, resin, polymer, composite, orother material. In certain applications, this is particularlyadvantageous because the fibers can inhibit the adjacent material fromdelaminating from an outer shell comprised of a polymeric composite.Filler materials, such as foam, can thus act not only as an insulator,but also as an additional source of rigidity and strength.

The rotational molding process (also called “rotomolding”) is initiatedby preparing a mold that is suitable to be placed in a rotomoldingmachine that can include loading, heating, and cooling areas. Dependingon the molding machine, multiple molds can be mounted, heated, andcooled simultaneously. A predetermined amount of plastic resin—often inthe form of a powder—can be loaded into each mold. The amount of resincan be selected based on the size of the mold and the desired wallthickness. For greater wall thicknesses, an increased amount of resincan be used. A predetermined amount of reinforcing elements such asglass fibers can also added to each mold. The amount of fibers can beselected based upon the desired properties of the resulting composite. Agreater volume or weight fraction of fibers can be added where stiffer,stronger parts are desired. Smaller volume or weight fractions of fiberscan be added to increase flexibility or to decrease cost, for example.

The molds can then be closed and placed into a heating area of therotomolding apparatus, which can include an oven. The molds can beslowly rotated as they are heated along both vertical and horizontalaxes. As the resin touching the mold softens or melts, it adheres toboth the adjacently situated fibers and the wall of the mold. The powderadjacent to the softened resin also softens or melts and then adheres tothe resin situated against the wall of the mold and the adjacentlysituated fibers. The continued rotation of the molds can advantageouslycause the resin to coat all surfaces of the inside of the mold to auniform depth or thickness. Advantageously, the mold can be rotatedafter the mold is moved into a cooling area so that the depth of theresin adhered to the internal walls of the mold remains constant. Thetemperatures, rotational rotates, and materials can be selected tocontrol the wall thickness and the additional material thickness (andstrength) at the corners of a part. Depending on the thermal expansionand contraction characteristics of the materials selected, the speed ofthe rotation, and the cooling rate, the parts can separate from the moldduring the cooling process. The mold can be opened after the coolingcycle is complete, whereafter the molded part is removed.

The use of reinforcing elements such as fibers advantageously reducesthe coefficient of shrinkage and expansion of the resulting part. Forinstance, a bulkhead or panel molded as described above and filled withpolyurethane foam is typically exposed to extreme temperatures. Duringuse in refrigerated transport application or in a refrigerated cooler,the bulkhead is at a very low temperature, such as zero degreesFahrenheit. At other times, the bulkhead may be exposed to temperaturesin excess of one hundred degrees Fahrenheit. The reduced thermalexpansion and contraction coefficient of the part tends to furtherinhibit delamination of the outer composite from the internal foam. Asnoted above, the protruding fibers also greatly.

Depending on the configuration of the molded part, multiple parts can bemolded within a single mold during a single cycle. For instance, two airreturn bulkheads can be fabricated simultaneously, each bulkhead beingformed by an opposite side of a clam shell type mold. If furtheradditional strength is desired, reinforcing ribs can be included in themold. Optionally, various additives can be added to increase the part'sresistance to ultraviolet light, temperature, heat, flame, orelectrostatic charge. As noted above, various inserts may be molded intothe part, including rims, handles, or edging made of metal or othersuitable materials. Moreover, multiple wall molds can be used thatinclude adjacently situated cavities so that a single molding cycleproduces multiple parts or pieces.

In a preferred embodiment, the wall thickness is about an eighth of aninch. Glass fibers having a length of about {fraction (9/16)}″ aremolded into the polyethylene wall. A fraction of the fibers protrudeinto the internal cavity up to about half and inch, depending on thedegree to which they are embedded into the polyethylene. Some of thefibers are completely encapsulated by the polyethylene.

The panels of are preferably fabricated accordingly the followingprotocol. A commercially available aluminum mold was opened andapproximately ten pounds of polyethylene powder was added. On top ofpowder was placed approximately one pound, or ten weight percent, ofglass fibers having an approximate length of {fraction (9/16)}″. Themold was then closed, mounted to an arm, and slid into an oven. The moldwas rotated at approximately twelve RPM on the horizontal axis and fourrpm on the vertical axis. The oven was preheated to about 575 degreesFahrenheit and the mold was left in the oven for about twenty minutes.Afterwards, the mold was placed at a cooling station for 12-15 minutes.Then the mold was opened and the part was removed from the mold whilestill warm, about 125 to 150 degrees. While at that approximatetemperature, the panel was placed in a foaming press and polyurethanefoam injected. The panel was allowed to cool for twenty minutes infoaming press before it was removed.

Panels manufactured according to the this technique have significantlyimproved structural integrity. When a standard foam-filled panel iscrushed or impacted with a significant force, the shell or face of thepanel delaminates from the internal foam. In contrast, the shell of theimproved panel shows no observable delamination when crushed, due insubstantial part to the mechanical interlock caused by the fibersprotruding inwardly from the wall layer. The shell is strongly bonded tothe foam because a significant fraction of the glass fibers were bondedsecurely to both the foam and polyethylene.

Further details concerning certain aspects of the aforementionedrotomolding technique can be found in Plastics Materials and Processes,Seymour S. Schwartz and Sidney H. Goodman, Van Nostrand ReinholdCompany, Inc. (1982); Rotational Molding of Plastics (PolymerEngineering Series 2), 2d Edition, R. J. Crawford (June 1996); andRotational Molding: Design, Materials, & Processing, Glen Beal (October1998); the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

The edge members 18 of FIG. 1 are shown and described in more detail inFIGS. 8-10. FIG. 8 depicts the receiving channels 20 formed in theperipheral edges of the bulkhead core 1. The mounting members 24 can bemitered together as shown in FIG. 9, whereby the seals 25 are permittedto effectively comb together 38 at the corner of the bulkhead. Otherknown types of seals may be readily substituted for the wipe- orblade-type seal 25. For instance, vinyl-encased foam seals may befastened to the mounting members 24 as shown in FIG. 10. Optionally, thewipes or foam may be secured to the mounting member without use ofmechanical fasteners, as by heat sealing, gluing, or integral molding.

Significantly, the seals may be easily removed and replaced. The usefullife of a bulkhead is often defined by the durability of the peripheralseals. When the seals tear or otherwise degrade, bacteria and otherpathogens can infiltrate and subsist within the seal area, therebygreatly increasing the risk of food contamination. Moreover, worn outseals are unable to provide the required insulation between cargocompartments. Due to the difficulty in removing the seals from manyprevious designs, bulkheads are usually discarded when the seals areworn out. Contrariwise, the seals of the above-described embodiments maybe readily removed and cost-effectively replaced with new seals.

The receiving channels 20 and mounting members 24 can fashioned to havevirtually any set of complementary configurations. Hemispherical detentsmay be formed at the peripheral edge of the panels 10, 11 and themounting members 24 may be adapted to include hemispherical protrusionsso that the edge member 18 snaps on to the bulkhead core 1.Alternatively, horizontal ridges may be formed at the peripheral edgesof the panels 10, 11 and complementary splines or ridges may be formedinto the mounting members so that the side edge members 18 may slidelaterally into place. Any combination of suitable formations, fasteners,and other known fastening means may be used to secure the edge member 18to the bulkhead core 1.

FIGS. 11-12 depict trim members 50, 51 that can be integrally moldedinto the panel so that they form the outer edge of the panel. FIG. 12shows a rigid trim member 51 that, after being integrally molded intothe periphery of the bulkhead, serves as a rigid mount for the wipeseals and other edge members heretofore described. In such anembodiment, the trim member 51 effectively replaces the peripheralportion of the panel 10 that includes the integrally molded channels 20(shown in FIG. 8). FIG. 11 shows another rigid trim member 50 that canbe adapted to serve as a hinge plate. Hinges made of polymer, vinyl,fabric, rubber, metal or other suitable material can be connected to twoproximally disposed rigid trim members. A polymeric or other suitablesheeting member can be laid across the face one trim member and thenattached to the trim member by pushing a rod or post into the circulartrim cavity. The sheeting member traverses the face 52 of the trimmember 50 and then is attached in a like manner to an opposably facingtrim member (on an adjacent panel) having the same construction. Thisarrangement holds the adjacent panel firmly but permits the adjacentpanel to pivot through almost a complete 360 degree range.

FIG. 13 depicts an adjustable edge member comprised of two adjustablemembers, 26 a, 26 b which include receiving channels 20 that slideablyengage with the previously described mounting members 24. Mountingflanges 27 are adapted to be secured to the bulkhead core 1. Theadjustable members 26 a and 26 b of FIG. 13 slideably and reciprocallyengage one another so as to permit the adjustable members 26 to bereadily moved during manufacturing operation from an open position to afully closed position (shown in FIG. 13). The adjustable members can bepartially closed so as to accommodate bulkhead cores 1 of varyingthicknesses. After the adjustable members 26 a,b are closed to thedesired thickness, the mounting flanges 27 are securing to the panels10, 11 according to known means such as adhesives, mechanical fasteners,and the like.

A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various additionalmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope ofthe following claims.

1. An apparatus for separating cargo areas comprising: a polymericrotomolded substantially seamless panel having an internal cavitydefined by first and second opposing panel faces and a plurality ofperipheral edge surfaces, wherein the panel is integrally formed suchthat the peripheral edge surfaces are substantially seamless and whereinat least one of said peripheral edge surfaces is operable to receive aseal member; and said seal member coupled to the at least one peripheraledge surface.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising insulativematerial disposed in the internal cavity.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the panel comprises a composite material that includes a polymermaterial and reinforcing fibers.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, whereinthe reinforcing fibers extend into the internal cavity so as tointegrally connect the composite material of the panel to an adjacentlysituated insulative material disposed in the internal cavity.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge surface includes atleast one of a groove, channel, or depression operable to engage theseal member.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the peripheral edgesurface includes a tapered region and channels operable to releasablyengage the seal member.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealmember comprises a polymeric blade.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe seal member is a foam seal.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a channel in the first panel face to permit air to flowbetween the first panel face and a unit of cargo positioned adjacentthereto.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least onedepression in the first panel face, the depression extending at leasthalfway between the first panel face and the opposing second panel face.11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the depression is operable tomaintain the faces in substantially rigid spaced apart relation.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a handle integrally formed inat least one of the first and second panel faces.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second panel faces are continuous andunperforated.